High-school football: Ohio North-South Classic preview

Friday

Apr 26, 2013 at 12:01 AMApr 26, 2013 at 8:52 AM

Three incoming Ohio State freshmen will be showcased in the Division I-II-III game. Receiver/defensive back Gareon Conley of Massillon Washington and linebacker/safety Chris Worley of Cleveland Glenville will play for the North team, and Lee will represent the South.

Steve Blackledge, The Columbus Dispatch

• What: 68th Ohio North-South Classic, sponsored by the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association

• Representing: Nine seniors from central Ohio will play in each game. The Division I-II-III game includes defensive linemen Emmanuel Beal of Reynoldsburg, Miles McCollum of Dublin Coffman, Granyl Smith of Gahanna and Alex Klingel of River Valley; running backs Godwin Igwebuike of Pickerington North and E.J. Jennings of Hilliard Davidson; defensive backs Caleb Day of Hilliard Darby and Darron Lee of New Albany; and linebacker Mitchell Rowell of Gahanna. The Division IV-V-VI game includes defensive linemen Jacob Matuska of Hartley, Isaiah Blevins of North Union and Luke Hannan of Liberty Union; defensive backs Kevin Bourne of Newark Catholic, Marcellus Calhoun of Hartley and Zach Yousey of Harvest Prep; linebacker Nick Sadinsky of Johnstown; running back Donyelle Simpson of Heath; and offensive lineman Doug Hardin of Westfall.

• Baby Buckeyes: Three incoming Ohio State freshmen will be showcased in the Division I-II-III game. Receiver/defensive back Gareon Conley of Massillon Washington and linebacker/safety Chris Worley of Cleveland Glenville will play for the North team, and Lee will represent the South.

• This and that: The North-South Classic is the longest running high-school football all-star game in the country. It has produced players in 45 of the 47 Super Bowls and seven Heisman Trophy winners. … Because of renovations being done to Ohio Stadium, the game was moved to Dayton for the first time. Through the years, it has taken place in Massillon, Crew Stadium and Ohio Stadium. … It is also the first time that the contest has featured two games. That was made possible when the Big 33 Game between Ohio and Pennsylvania ended.

sblackledge@dispatch.com

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.